The Mining Opportunity is for a High Tech Industry
NZ’s opportunity in mining is in value adding to develop a world class technology and services export industry.
The mining industry in Australia results in 82,000 jobs and contributes $27 billion to the domestic economy. The mining technology and services (MTS) sector which exports (technology and services !) values at A$30billion. The MTS sector is about human smarts and value adding.
Derek Handley NZ’s latest high profile entrepreneur and founder of “Hyperfactory” recently talked on Radio NZ about the same opportunity to add value through the opportunity dairying presents. He is quoted talking about his business:
“Globally, Kiwi companies are at the cutting edge of the use new technology, and by having the courage to take our ideas and capabilities offshore, we are able to become a significant powerhouse within some of the world’s leading corporations.”
The mining debate is emotive and easy to hijack. The reality is that this is a smart, high tech industry with the muscle to develop economies external to the mining sector. The very many Kiwi’s on mine sites and holding high positions in the leading mining houses in the world know this already.
RDCL is a small company taking this challenge. We supply mining, engineering and economic geology, resource evaluation and groundwater services in New Zealand and overseas. We are developing NZ graduates and investing in technology, people and safety systems to compete on the world stage. It’s a tough battle and we need support at home to realise our dreams.
